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| - Finally, finally, finally, Union Standard is open for lunch! Hip! Hip! Hooray! Okay, I have been anticipating the opening of this restaurant for quite some time. And since I don't live in or near Downtown Pittsburgh, my first forays to new restaurants are usually during lunch time. (Better to explore a new restaurant at lunch during working hours, than to commit to a long drive, expensive parking and an expensive meal that you may or may not like during dinner hours.) The restaurant is located on the corner of Oliver and William Penn in the Union Trust building and decorated in a very tailored and no-nonsense way. No frou-frou, just clean and simple lines on multiple levels. I liked the décor. (I can see this spot becoming home to frequent power-lunchers.)
Me and one half of the usual dynamic duo (The other usual suspect was out of town this week.) ventured there and were seated immediately. (I made reservations and I suggest that you do the same.) The hostess was extremely welcoming and our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu. My crime partner ordered the Elysian Fields Lamb Patty Melt served on rye with bacon, Swiss, roasted sweet onion, caramelized onions and whole grain mustard. I ordered the Crispy Halibut Sandwich - cornmeal fried and served on potato bread with cabbage & carrot slaw and smoked pepper remoulade. We also ordered a side of fries which came sprinkled with their house seasoning and pickled red onions. (I've never seen fresh-cut fries served with pickled red onions, but they worked because they cut through the oiliness of the rich foods that we were eating.)
Both of us cut off portions of our sandwiches to share with one another and they were both delicious! The halibut portion size was extremely decent, as well as the lamb patty. (Note: The fish appeared and tasted like it was breaded with a type of panko instead of cornmeal, but it was still delicious!) And since I'm not really a ketchup person, our fries were served with a house-made aioli and a dill dressing. Both sauces were outstanding. (Note: Fries or sides are not served with the sandwiches, but ordered separately. However, the $5 portion could have easily fed three people if accompanying a sandwich.) I would just like to make a suggestion that the owners list the potential side dishes on the menu, so you don't have to ask and so that customers know for sure that sides aren't included with the Sandwiches & Mains.
Tipping a little over $20 for lunch, including tax and tip, we got pretty much what we expected...a high quality meal in a place that allows you, for one moment, to assume that you are a mover and shaker and this is where you should eat.
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